Apparatus and method for controlling posture

ABSTRACT

A posture control device that maintains an individual&#39;s posture in a correct position by elevating the upper portion of the thighs. The thigh elevation device elevates the thighs, which causes the pelvis to automatically rotate anteriorly. The rotation results in an increased curvature of the lumbo-sacral spine which properly aligns the vertebrae with one another. One embodiment uses a stand-alone thigh elevation device which is positioned below the upper portion of the thigh of a user when the user is sitting. An alternative embodiment uses a specially designed seat cushion with an elevated portion to control leg position in the same manner. The seat cushion can be detachable or an integral part of a chair. Optional features include cushion securing devices including straps and/or hook and loop attachments. An alternative embodiment uses an inflatable thigh elevation device which allows the user or medical personnel to dynamically adjust the angle of the user&#39;s leg.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to the commonly owned copending provisional patent application entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POSTURE”, filed May 12, 2000, bearing U.S. Ser. No. 60/203,673 and naming Heidi Elliott, the named inventor herein, as sole inventor, the contents of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to therapeutic and orthopedic devices. In particular, it relates to a posture control devices for use by an individual when in the seated position.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] A widespread health problem is the frequent back pain experienced by individuals due to vertebrae misalignment. When this occurs, the individual may experience high levels of pain which interfere with both the individual's ability to work and the individual's ability to enjoy recreational activities. One approach to treating this condition has been to use pain killing drugs. While this eliminates the pain, the use of pain killing drugs often leaves the user in the position of being incapacitated as far as work is concerned. Likewise, recreational activities, and even simple tasks such as driving a car may be prevented.

[0006] Alternative approaches, such as the use of mechanical devices, have also been used in an attempt to alleviate the problems caused by vertebrae misalignment. If an individual already has problems, then braces have be used to support the individual's back. While these devices help, they also have the disadvantage of being devices that have to worn, and may be uncomfortable for the individual to wear. In addition, these devices are typically used only after a problem develops with an individual's back, and are not used to prevent problems from occurring.

[0007] In the case where an individual is not experiencing a problem which would induce the individual to seek medical treatment (which may include the use of a brace), poor posture can be gradually damaging the individual's vertebrae such that painful problems may develop in the future. It would be desirable to have a device that can be comfortably and conveniently used, which would also help individuals with back problems to reduce the effects of vertebrae misalignment, and which would also help to prevent those problems from occurring by properly aligning the vertebrae in healthy backs.

[0008] While addressing the basic desirability of using treating back problems, the prior art has failed to provide a simple device which is inexpensive to manufacture, has a minimum number of components, is comfortable to use, does not have to be worn, and can be used to treat not only existing back problems, but can also be used to help prevent back problems caused by vertebrae misalignment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a posture control and supportive device. It maintains an individual's seated posture in a correct position by elevating the upper (proximal) portion of the thighs, just below the buttocks. When the thighs are elevated in this manner, the pelvis is automatically rotated anteriorly which results in an increased curvature of the lumbar sacral spine which properly aligns the vertebrae with one another. One embodiment is a stand-alone thigh elevation device which is positioned below the upper portion of the proximal thigh anterior to the ischial tuberosity (where the upper thigh joins the buttocks) of a user when the user is sitting. An alternative embodiment uses an especially designed seat cushion with an elevated portion to control leg and pelvic position in the same manner. Optional features include cushion securing devices including straps and/or hook and loop attachments. An alternative embodiment uses an inflatable thigh elevation device which allows the user or medical personnel to dynamically adjust the elevation of the user's leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of a stand-alone thigh elevation device.

[0011]FIG. 1B is a side view which illustrates the vertebral alignment of an individual when sitting in a conventional prior art chair.

[0012]FIG. 1C is a side view of a preferred embodiment which illustrates the vertebral alignment of an individual when sitting in a chair and using a pliant leg support to elevate the individual's upper or proximal thighs.

[0013]FIG. 2 illustrates of a preferred embodiment of a chair with an integral thigh elevation device.

[0014]FIG. 3 illustrates of a preferred embodiment of a removable thigh elevation device secured to a chair.

[0015]FIG. 4 illustrates of a preferred embodiment of an inflatable thigh elevation device which is adjustable to allow dynamic control of the amount of elevation of the user's thigh.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a side view of a spine showing correct vertebral alignment.

[0017]FIG. 6 illustrates the position of the ischial tuberosity in relation to the pelvic bone and the lower vertebrae.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Prior to a detailed discussion of the figures, a general overview of the posture control device will be presented. The posture control device provides a comfortable method of elevating the upper portion of an individual's proximal thigh when the individual is sitting. Elevation of the upper thigh, where the thigh meets the buttocks, when an individual is in the sitting position, will result in an improvement in the alignment of the vertebrae in the individual's spine. The reason that vertebrae alignment is improved is that elevation of an individual's leg in this manner will result in the anterior rotation of the pelvis which will in turn result in an increased lordotic (inward) curvature of the lumbo-sacral (lower) spine, thus allowing for proper vertebral alignment of the entire spine, including the thoracic and cervical regions.

[0019] A simple method of achieving this rotation is to use a pliant leg support which is positioned under the proximal thigh of the sitting individual. The pliant leg support is positioned under the upper portion of the thigh where the thigh adjoins or meets the buttocks just anterior to the ischial tuberosity bones of the pelvic floor. The pliant leg support presses against the ischial tuberosity which causes the pelvis to rotate. The rotation restores the proper curved alignment of the vertebrae.

[0020] An alternative embodiment uses a specially formed thigh elevation device that may be integrated with a seat cushion, or alternatively integrated directly into a chair seat. In these embodiments, the thigh elevation device in the cushion or chair seat protrudes as it approaches the upper thigh. For thigh elevation devices not integrated with the chair seat, optional securing devices such as straps can be used to ensure that the thigh elevation device remains attached to the chair.

[0021] Another alternative embodiment uses an inflatable pliant leg support. By using an inflatable device, multiple users can use the device comfortably by adjusting the amount of inflation to suit their size and comfort.

[0022]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pliant leg support 1. The pliant leg support 1 has a central support section 4, a first end 2, and a second end 3. The device has a diameter of several inches (typically 2-3), that is suitable for raising the leg of the user a sufficient amount to rotate the pelvis. The optimal size will vary based on the size and physical characteristics of the user. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific shape of the pliant leg support 1 can vary so long as it results in the user's legs being comfortably and sufficiently raised to a position that will result in rotation of the user's ischial tuberosity. Likewise, the pliant leg support 1 can be fabricated from any suitable material.

[0023]FIG. 1B is a side view illustrating the vertebral arrangement of an individual 6 sitting in a chair 5 in a conventional manner. In this view, the thigh bone 7 extends anteriorly from pelvic bone 10. It is also shown connected at the other end to the knee 8 which is in turn attached to the lower leg 9. In this configuration, the pelvic bone 10 is positioned such that a portion of the vertebrae 12, namely the lower vertebrae 11, demonstrates kyphosis, which is a kyphotic (outward) curvature such that vertebrae 12 are not in proper alignment and not allowing for a normal lordotic (inward) curvature in the lumbo-sacral and cervical regions, and a kyphotic curvature in the thoracic region only.

[0024]FIG. 1C illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention. This figure is a side view which illustrates the first end 2 of the pliant leg support 1 installed under the upper thigh 7. As shown in this figure, the rotation of the pelvic bone 10 results in the lower vertebrae 11 being properly aligned such that the vertebrae 12 of the individual now have correct alignment with one another. For the purpose of this discussion, correct alignment is lordotic curvature in the lumbar and cervical regions of the vertebrae and kyphotic curvature in the thoracic region of the vertebrae.

[0025]FIG. 2 is an alternative preferred embodiment in which an integral thigh elevation device (i.e., a pliant leg support) 13 is incorporated into a chair 5. This embodiment provides convenience for the user due to the fact that the thigh elevation device 13 is incorporated directly to chair 5, and as a result, no action is required on the part of the user to receive the benefits provided by the invention.

[0026]FIG. 3 is another alternative preferred embodiment which uses a removable thigh elevation device 14. In this embodiment, the removable thigh elevation device 14 is secured to a chair 5 by straps 15. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable method of securing the straps 15 can be used. For example, buckles, hook and loop material, tying, etc. can be used.

[0027] Likewise, the straps 15 can be secured to the sides or the chair 5 and/or the back of the chair 5.

[0028]FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative embodiment in which an inflatable thigh elevation device 16 is attached to a chair 5. In this embodiment, an air pump 17 is attached to the inflatable thigh elevation device 16 via a controllable valve 18. In this embodiment, the air pump 17 and the controllable valve 18 are remotely controllable to allow an individual to selectably control the amount of pressure in the inflatable thigh elevation device 16 for the purpose of adjusting the device to accommodate different sized individuals, and also to adjust the inflatable thigh elevation device 16 for the purpose of comfort.

[0029]FIG. 5 illustrates a spinal column with the vertebrae in correct alignment. In this configuration, the vertebrae in the lumbar region 11 and the cervical region 18 align with a lordotic curvature, and the vertebrae in the thoracic region 19 align with a kyphotic curvature.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of a human skeleton which illustrates the ischial tuberosity 20 extending from the pelvic bone 21. In addition, the lower vertebrae 11 are also shown. It is the pressure exerted against the ischial tuberosity 20 which causes the pelvic bone 21 to rotate, and in turn, causes the vertebrae to take proper alignment in regard to one another.

[0031] While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. For example, the thigh elevation device may be constructed from any material suitable, the size, shape and pliability of the thigh elevation device can vary so long as it accomplishes its goal of pelvic rotation, etc. Likewise, the thigh elevation device can be a separate non-adjustable device used in conjunction with conventional furniture, it can be integrated with furniture, or it can be an adjustable device suitable for use with individuals of varying sizes, etc. Accordingly, the invention herein disclosed is to be limited only as specified in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for rotating the pelvis to properly align vertebrae, comprising: a pliant leg support, further comprising: means to removably attach the pliant leg support to a seat such that the pliant leg support aligns with the upper portions of the proximal thighs anterior to the ischial tuberosity of an individual when the individual is sitting on the seat; and the pliant leg support having a thickness sufficient to elevate the thigh of an individual when the individual sits on the seat such that the elevation of the thigh causes the ischial tuberosity to rotate; whereby the rotation of the ischial tuberosity causes the individual's vertebrae to align such that the lumber region and the cervical regions to align in a lordotic curve and the thoracic region to align in a kyphotic curve.
 2. An apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the means to removably attach the pliant leg support is hook and loop attachment straps.
 3. An apparatus, as in claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the pliant leg support is approximately 2-3 inches.
 4. An apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising: means to adjust the diameter of the pliant leg support such that its diameter can be altered to suit individuals of varying sizes.
 5. An apparatus, as in claim 4 , further comprising: a remote control for remotely controlling the diameter of the pliant leg support.
 6. An apparatus, as in claim 4 , wherein the diameter of the pliant leg support is controlled by injection of a fluid pressure medium into the thigh elevation pad.
 7. An apparatus, as in claim 6 , wherein the fluid pressure medium is air.
 8. An apparatus for rotating the pelvis to properly align vertebrae, comprising: a seat; a pliant leg support, the pliant leg support integrated with the seat such that the pliant leg support aligns with the upper portions of the proximal thighs anterior to the ischial tuberosity of an individual when the individual is sitting on the seat; and the pliant leg support having a thickness sufficient to elevate the thigh of an individual when the individual sits on the seat such that the elevation of the thigh causes the ischial tuberosity to rotate; whereby the rotation of the ischial tuberosity causes the individual's vertebrae to align such that the lumber region and the cervical regions to align in a lordotic curve and the thoracic region to align in a kyphotic curve.
 9. An apparatus, as in claim 8 , wherein the diameter of the thigh elevation pad is approximately 2-3 inches.
 10. An apparatus, as in claim 8 , further comprising: means to adjust the diameter of the pliant leg support such that its diameter can be altered to suit individuals of varying sizes.
 11. An apparatus, as in claim 10 , further comprising: a remote control for remotely controlling the diameter of the pliant leg support.
 12. An apparatus, as in claim 10 , wherein the diameter of the pliant leg support is controlled by injection of a fluid pressure medium into the pliant leg support.
 13. An apparatus, as in claim 12 , wherein the fluid pressure medium is air.
 14. A method of properly aligning vertebrae, including the steps of: elevating the upper portion of an individual's proximal thighs anterior to the ischial tuberosity when the individual is sitting on the seat a sufficient distance to cause the ischial tuberosity to rotate; rotating the ischial tuberosity of the individual such that the individual's vertebrae align in the lumber region and in the cervical regions in a lordotic curve and align in the thoracic region in a kyphotic curve.
 15. A method, as in claim 14 , including the additional step of elevating the upper thigh greater than 2 inches with a pliant leg support.
 16. A method, as in claim 14 , including the additional step of using an adjustable pliant leg support to raise the upper thigh of the individual.
 17. A method, as in claim 16 , including the additional step of using an air pressurized pad as the pliant leg support to increase or decrease the elevation of the individual's thighs.
 18. A method, as in claim 16 , including the additional step of remotely controlling the thickness of the pliant leg support.
 19. A method, as in claim 18 , including the additional step of using an air pressurized pad as the pliant leg support to increase or decrease the elevation of the individual's thighs.
 20. A method, as in claim 18 , including the additional step of integrating the adjustable pliant leg support into a seat. 